Firefighters back on the scene of North Front Street fire

NEW BEDFORD — Firefighters are at 310 North Front St. for the second consecutive day after responding to a call this morning of a smoldering fire in the destroyed building’s collapsed roof.

BRIAN FRAGA

NEW BEDFORD — Firefighters are at 310 North Front St. for the second consecutive day after responding to a call this morning of a smoldering fire in the destroyed building’s collapsed roof.

Firefighters received the call around 10:55 a.m. of smoke emanating from the three-story apartment house, which was gutted in an apparent case of arson early Monday morning.

The first responding firefighters at the scene reported seeing light smoke conditions from the building’s roof, according to radio transmissions. Firefighters are currently on scene investigating.

Monday’s fire at 310 North Front St. occurred approximately two hours after another apparent arson at 19 Nye St., an apartment building that was also abandoned. The fire damaged the building’s exterior, but firefighters were able to contain it.

Fire officials said both fires appeared to have been intentionally set. The apparent arsons have highlighted public safety concerns about the increasing numbers of abandoned buildings due to the foreclosure crisis.